System and method for validating configuration data values associated with software applications

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for application software system installation in a user device wherein the desired App includes App configuration data to be entered by the intended user through a user interface. An App configuration data validation processor verifies that the user has correctly entered the desired App configuration data. When the user requests an install of the desired App to a particular device, the system digitally signs the App with the validated embedded data in an App configuration file, which digital signature must be validated by the intended device before installation of the App is accepted on the device. After both validation of the configuration data and the digital signature, the user is then permitted to execute the App on the intended device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for enabling operation of a computer program in a plurality of operating devices, including:
 providing a gallery of software applications (Apps) to a user for selective installation on the plurality of operating devices, wherein the Apps require App Configuration Data to be entered in a Connect Key File for application operability;   including an App Configuration Data Definition File (ACDDF) in the App Connect Key file wherein the ACDDF comprises a set of data fields for the receiving App Configuration Data to be entered by the user;   validating and storing App Configuration Data received from the user in response to a selection of one of the plurality of operating devices for executing a one App of the gallery, and reading the stored App Configuration Data for enabling execution of the one App on the selected o˜erating device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 2 , further including generating an App Configuration File from the ACDDR in response to an install request from the user for the one App in the one operating device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further including embedding the App Configuration File in the one App. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  further including applying a digital signature to the embedded App Configuration File. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  further including validating the digital signature of the one operating device prior to accepting installation of the one App in the one operating device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further including installing and operating the App in the one operating device. 
     
     
         7 . A security system for protecting App operability in a selected operating device comprising:
 an App Configuration Data Definition File (ACDDF) including predetermined data fields for completion by a user intending use of an App on the selected operating device;   a first validation processor for validating user entered app configuration data in the ACDDF;   an App Configuration File compiled from the validated app configuration data file and embedded in the App;   a digital signature applied to the App having the embedded App Configuration File; and   a second validation processor for validating the digital signature in response to a user installation request of the App on the selected operating device.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  including a configuration user interface for dynamically presenting selection data field corresponding to the ACDDF associated with a particular app. 
     
     
         9 . An application software system including embedded error validation operability comprising:
 an application studio having a gallery of software applications (apps) for selecting installation on a plurality of operating devices wherein the apps require App Configuration Data to be entered in a user interface file for application operability.   an App Configuration Data Definition File (ACDDF) included in the user interface comprises a predetermined set of data fields for receiving app configuration data to be entered by a user of the Apps;   an App configuration data validation processor for verifying correct user entry of the app configuration data;   a validated one of the apps including the validated app configuration data embedded in the one App;   a digital signature applied to the validated one of the Apps; and   a digital signature validated one of the Apps validated in response to an install request by the user of the App on an operating device.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  further including a configuration user interface for presenting selective data fields corresponding to the ACDDF.